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Introduce legislation to grant anonymity to both sides in rape and abuse cases

“This Association in Conference assembled urges Her Majesty’s Government to introduce legislation to grant anonymity to both sides in rape and abuse cases.”

Liverpool Association,

2015

In the light of many historical cases now brought against well-known public figures, it seems totally unfair that defendants have their names published in newspapers and reported on TV whilst the person bringing the allegations remain anonymous. There have been many cases recently where Government Ministers, TV personalities and Pop Stars have been castigated by the media and then found not guilty, their reputations having been tarnished forever. Surely it is only right and proper that both sides should receive the same protection. It is not only people in the public eye who are affected by this law but many ordinary people such as teachers, policemen, doctors etc. are stigmatised for life even if found not guilty.

People who allege they are victims of certain sexual offences receive lifelong anonymity. It is a criminal office to publish the complainant’s identity or any information that might lead to the complainants being identified. Surely it is unfair that potentially innocent defendants do not receive similar protection. As the saying goes ‘mud sticks’ and those in favour of reform argue that there is a particular stigma attached to allegations of sexual offences as compared to other serious crime, which results in harm to the defendant. Individuals who have been acquitted of rape have told of the devastating effect it can have on their lives and families. We feel that it is time that we treat both sides in such cases equally.

Reply from: RT HON Mike Penning MP – Minister of State for Policing, Fire Criminal Justice and Victims
Previously, the Sexual Offences (amendment) Act 1976, provided for a ban on the press identification of both complainants and defendants in rape cases, but the provision providing anonymity for defendants was abolished by the Criminal Justice Act 1988. This was partly because the situation of complainants and defendants is not comparable. Complainants may need the protection of anonymity when they come forward, because if their identity is revealed they or their family and friends may be at risk of intimidation or serious harm. The naming of defendants can also enable, or in some cases encourage, other potential victims and witnesses to come forward to report offences.  In 2010 the coalition government considered anonymity for defendants however there was insufficient evidence to justify reinstatement. We have no current plans to reconsider the matter, but will continue to keep the issue under review.

One of the cornerstones of the criminal justice system is open justice. This is the principle that justice should be seen to be done, so that both the process and the results are open to scrutiny. In accordance with this principle, unless there are exceptional circumstance, the identities of adult defendants, victims and accusers in criminal proceedings will be given in open court. The principle also means that the media are free to attend and report on proceedings of a court case, unless there is a specific justification to prevent them from doing so.

Turning to the reporting of persons who are suspected of, and may even have been arrested for, an offence, but have not been charged. Our position is consistent with guidance issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers (now superseded by the National Police Chief’s Council) which states that the names or identifying details of the defendant could be released by police forces to the press or the public only where there is a threat to life, for the prevention or detection of crime or where it is a matter of public interest and confidence.

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December Update

2020 is a year none of us will forget in a hurry but as it draws to a close we would like to update you with the current situation as far as Head Office is concerned. The office is now closed until after Christmas but Claire, our secretary, is working from home.

It has been a very strange year with no events, no clubs, no getting together. All our events had to be cancelled, and though we are no different to any other organisation it has been such a pity because this is what we are about friendship, education and fun. On the positive side we have worked hard getting out letters to as many members as we could with the help of club officials. They have been brilliant keeping in touch with their members through emails, ‘WhatsApp’ and phone calls they all deserve a star!

With the moving into different tiers it sometimes gets very confusing and loneliness has been talked about a lot on the television and the media but we hope through the clubs this has not affected our members too much. With the hope of a vaccine it might not be too long before we are back and enjoying our club life again and remember after December 21st the days start to get longer and Spring will be around the corner.

Here at Head Office Eleanor retired at the end of September, Eleanor had told us of her plans at the beginning of the year so we had plenty of notice but of course we could not have the retirement party she was entitled to. However, we are hoping she will come to conference next year and we can say farewell properly. We did send flowers on the day and Mary, our treasurer made her a collage of all our good wishes, and it was beautiful.

If you are looking at our website for the first time look at the list of clubs and see if we have one near you, they are friendly places to go to. Most meet once a week with speakers, demonstrations and outings. Each club is different and if there isn’t one in your area, why don’t you start one!  We honestly think our sort of club is just what the women of our country needs right now.  We are a non-political, non-religious and non- sectarian group that offers friendship and interest. Take a look at this website and see what we have to offer.

So Christmas is coming and what a difference to the one we probably envisaged, but remember ladies we might not be able to party as we have in the past but if we keep safe we can celebrate next year with family and friends. 

So on behalf of The Committee to all our members and whoever is looking at this website, we wish you all a Merry Christmas, keep well and let’s look forward to a better New Year.